Spread some Christmas cheer and help area children

By Deborah Wheeler

Published: Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 04:37 PM.

In years past, the CVHN Christmas party has raised an average of $7,000 and the organization looks to raise around the same amount this year, said marketing coordinator Shaye Smith. Crommelin said $9,000 was brought in last year.

"This party is a great way for the organization to recap the past year, thank donors and sponsors for the time, resources and funding they have provided while also raising funds to help continue fulfilling the organization’s mission of facilitating medical, dental, vision and mental health care for underinsured and uninsured children in Okaloosa and Walton counties," said Smith.

For many years Café Thirty-A has hosted parties during the Christmas season that the community has come to look forward to as "the highlight event of the season" on 30A.

Tonight's event: "Spread a Little Christmas Cheer With CVHN and Café Thirty-A" promises to keep the tradition alive at the locale.

CVHN stands for Children's Volunteer Health Network, whose mission is to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured school aged children by facilitating free immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care.

The elegant black-tie-optional ball is modeled after what was originally the Caring & Sharing Ball, which was last held in 2007.

CVHN began hosting similar Christmas parties six years ago, with the last three at Café Thirty-A. This is now a signature event for CVHN.

Café Thirty-A owner Harriet Crommelin is donating all food for the event, which offers buffet-style dining and entertainment, and is included in the ticket price. A cash bar will be available.

Music will be by Destin-based The Bottoms Up Band playing rock favorites.

In years past, the CVHN Christmas party has raised an average of $7,000 and the organization looks to raise around the same amount this year, said marketing coordinator Shaye Smith. Crommelin said $9,000 was brought in last year.

"This party is a great way for the organization to recap the past year, thank donors and sponsors for the time, resources and funding they have provided while also raising funds to help continue fulfilling the organization’s mission of facilitating medical, dental, vision and mental health care for underinsured and uninsured children in Okaloosa and Walton counties," said Smith.